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Dial in your training.

Proven in the peloton and available with Shimano's flagship new flagship drivetrain, the Pioneer Dura-Ace R9100 Powermeter Crankset adds data collection to your training, helps you analyze every ride, and doesn't compromise the drivetrain for those of us who appreciate a build where every component is the same make and model. Its sleek design integrates cleanly into the crankset and features dual-leg strain gauges for independent pedal data and other detailed metrics. It transmits those data to any ANT+ cycling computer, and pairing it with one of Pioneer's own cycling computers opens up an even wider world of torque vector analysis for those of us who want to dig into the really nitty gritty minutiae in search of marginal gains and a few extra watts.

The system measures pedaling force, direction, and overall efficiency via dual strain gauges bonded to the crank arms. Either sensor unit captures 12 points of rotation at 30-degree intervals by measuring minute changes in the shape of the crank caused when force is applied while pedaling. From this, force is calculated in both the direction of rotation and the radial direction. The combination of these two force components indicates the direction in which the total force is being applied, which is shown using the system's force vectors. Also, a magnet ring that attaches to the bottom bracket measures the position of the crank, allowing precise display of the force vectors at every 30-degree interval throughout rotation.

The force vectors for one full rotation are then wirelessly transmitted to any ANT+ head unit via the transmitter module bolted in the crankset's spider. The information centers around pedaling efficiency, giving riders the ability to target inefficiencies for improvement in training and racing. When pedaling efficiency is high, most of the rider's power is being used to rotate the pedals. So, the force measured in the direction of rotation at each of the 12 points is combined to give the total power output for that rotation. This system is more immune to the inaccuracies found in other powermeters that don't gather information at 12 force vectors.

This data is then stored in long file form that can be accessed and analyzed after the ride. You're able to upload your log data to Pioneer's Cyclo-Sphere website, which lets you analyze left and right side pedaling efficiency, power, and force vectors, among many other types of data displayed in easy-to-understand graphs and numerical displays.

This system is paired with is Shimano's new FC-9100 Dura-Ace crankset, boasting a few subtle yet deliberate changes compared to its FC-9000 predecessor. It retains its proven four-arm design, and widens the crankarm to move the chainline out by 0.5mm. This may sound imperceptible, but it's just enough to give the crankset broader compatibility with shorter chainstays and the growing number of road bikes built for disc brakes. Shimano also slightly reshaped the chainrings' gear teeth profile to adapt it to the gearing on disc brake-equipped race bikes. As with the 9000 model, this crankset sees the continuation of Shimano's Hollowtech II construction. Over the past few iterations of Dura-Ace, this manufacturing methodology has played an integral role in attaining weight reduction without sacrificing Dura-Ace's superior stiffness.

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Boringly Reliable

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

I've been running a Pioneer Dura Ace R9100 crank for about the last 8 months now on two difference bikes. Power readings have been super reliable and seems pretty accurate. Its also one of the handful of power meters on the market that can give you true left/right readings since there are two strain gauges. One of the minor annoyances up until recently was that in order to fully see all the pedaling metrics that the meter provides (more specifically, torque vectoring in the pedal stroke), you'd need to use their own Pioneer Touchsceen Computer. Fortunately Wahoo recently released an update so you can now get your pedaling metrics on a Bolt or Element as well. Also, they have a new color screen computer releasing soon that looks to be way nicer than the outgoing model. I've changed batteries once in the last 8 months (1 CR2032 watch battery for each side) and havent had any issues whatsoever with the meter otherwise.

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2nd pioneer now

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

After riding a DA Pioneer set up for the last 2 years I really wanted to take a look around before deciding which power system to put on my new bike. It didn't take long and I was back on the new 9100 DA pioneer crank. I even went with it although the rest of my system is Etap, which it works with just great btw. Accuracy is excellent, reliability has been great, and it's been easy to use. I run it with the Pioneer computer and have been plenty happy with that as well. The DA cranks are super stiff and still my favorite out there. I know there are a few cranks that will save you a couple grams at best but I take the Shimano performance over all. I've had a couple months now on the 9100 and have been super happy with it, no complaints at all. I've put the Pioneer system through rain and inclement weather and not run into any issues. If you have any questions on the Pioneer power meter feel free to get in touch with me directly.

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Excellent.

Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer

This is the first power meter that I've owned. I read several reviews and talked to many people using other power meters. I decided on the Pioneer for a number of reasons. I love the Shimano groupset and I wanted to stay with it. I didn't want to swap out the beautifully designed Dura Ace crankset for a utilitarian looking design. Even if you could keep your chainrings, the spiders that come with other power meters aren't as atheistically integrated as Shimano or Campagnolo's own in my opinion. I also didn't want to have to use proprietary pedal pods since I'm running Look titanium carbon pedals.

The Pioneer is a minimalistic little unit that is integrated beautifully into the crankset and it's also very light. It even comes with a black cover to replace the red one if you'd prefer that. As for the performance of the unit, it does exactly what it's supposed to do. It calibrates in seconds, automatically, and is very easy to use. The readings are consistent and I've not had any issues with it and I'm using it with my Garmin 820.

The only thing is that Pioneer only permits typical power meter functionality with non-Pioneer head units. One of the advantages of the Pioneer is that it records more data than any other power meter but all of this additional data is only available with a Pioneer head unit. Without the Pioneer computer you get all the ordinary functionality of a power meter, which means that apples for apples, this power meter is still at the top of the list. You would only need a Pioneer computer for firmware updates and error checking, or this can easily be done at a Pioneer dealer.